FUSED Festival, a three-day festival that includes workshops, interactive exhibitions, activities and concerts, comes to Thurrock this summer with a programme that explores the themes central to Verdi's Requiem: remembrance, conflict and loss.

On Saturday 5 July, Jeremy and Jacek will lead a creative and interactive workshop entitled Songs of Life and Death. The workshop, which is suitable for all ages and takes place from 2.30–5pm, will explore the power of the human voice in conflict throughout history. In the evening, Thurrock’s youth vocal group RM19 will perform the world premiere of A Little Thing Called Life. The performance marks the culmination of several months work, during which RM19 has been exploring concepts of remembrance, conflict and loss to create an original piece of music, drama and design.

Tickets for Verdi’s Requiem cost £15 (£12 concession) with Early Bird offers running until 23 May. They can be booked online or via the Royal Opera House Box Office on +44 (0) 207 304 4000. Tickets for the workshop and RM19 performance are available via the Royal Opera House Box Office on +44 (0) 207 304 4000. A combined ticket costs £15 (£10 concession). Early Bird offers are running until the 23 May.

The Royal Opera’s production brings to life the authentic colour and spectacle of Renaissance Mantua – including its darker side – in a thrilling tale of seduction, trickery and revenge.

The live relay is free to attend, and takes place on 17 September at 7.30pm, with pre-performance activities from 5pm. Come early to get a good spot and make the most of the evening.

Thurrock Community Chorus and RM19

Thurrock is home to the Royal Opera House Thurrock Community Chorus, a group that is open to anybody living, working or studying in the area who loves to sing. Younger singers are able to perform with RM19, the area's free vocal group for 11-25 year-olds. Both the Chorus and RM19 hold taster sessions twice a year for those interested in taking part. To find out more, e-mail getinvolved@roh.org.uk or call +44 (0) 1708 891 200.

Tours of the Bob and Tamar Manoukian Production Workshop

The ROH's workshop is home to scenic painters, carpenters and metalworkers. Our tours take a behind the scenes look at the artists and craftspeople who create the amazing sets and scenery for The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet Productions and offers an insight into the skills necessary to create world class sets and design.